07.

Nova’s POV

I quickly got ready, my mind racing with possibilities. This job could change everything for Lily and me.

I don’t know why I had received that email but it was an opportunity that I couldn’t afford to lose.

Downstairs, Lily chattered excitedly with Amelia as they made breakfast.

"Mommy, can we go get ice cream after school?”

I smiled, kneeling beside her.

"Sweetie, Mommy has a job interview today. Amelia will take you to school, okay?"

Lily's face fell, but she nodded.

"Sorry, baby. I promise I'll make it up to you tonight."

I hugged her tight, kissing her forehead.

"Love you, kiddo."

"Love you too, Mommy," she replied, waving goodbye.

As I watched Amelia drive away with Lily, my anxiety spiked.

Di Mario Corp's sleek skyscraper loomed before me, its glass facade glinting in the morning light.

My heart shivered in fear. What if I messed up? What if I wasn't good enough?

What if Alexandra sees that I am not fit enough and it was a mistake ever considering to give me a chance?

Oh god!

“Will you quit degrading yourself and just go in, you’ll do great” my wolf growled making me giggle with anxiety.

I took a deep breath and stepped into the lobby.

Polished marble and chrome surrounded me, exuding luxury and sophistication.

The receptionist's frowned her eyes roaming around my outfit disgustingly making me shift in discomfort.

I had tried to put on my best outfit, but I guess that wasn’t enough after all.

"Nova Sanchez? You're here for the interview?"

I nodded.

"Yes, that's me."

She nodded.

"Mr. Di Mario's assistant will see you shortly. Go, have a seat."

I sat, flipping through a magazine to calm my nerves.

This was it – my chance to secure a better life for Lily and me.

Di Mario Corp was renowned for its excellence and generosity.

If I got hired, we'd be set.

No more struggling to make ends meet.

I don’t have to continue working at the bar, it will be a great opportunity for us.

I just hope this all works out.

“You won’t get the job” a woman that sat next to me stated discouragingly.

My brows furrowed offended by her words, “Excuse me” I spat.

She chuckles, “Oh please! We both know you are here to seduce your way into getting this job, it won’t work, trust me” she adds.

“With all due respect, how dare you?”

“I am Mr Di Mario’s assistant and if there is anyone that knows him better, it should be me” she gloats.

I remained mute sure of how to respond to her before clearing my throat trying to feign confidence, “I—“ she cut me off.

“Mr. Di Mario won’t spare you a glance, he has seen and fucked way better, and he won’t settle for less” She mocks getting up.

“Mss Sanchez, good luck with your interview. Mr Di Mario will see you now” With a sly smile plastered on her lips, she walks away.

Bitch! My wolf groans.

Sucking in a deep breath, I let it out getting up.

I stood, smoothing my dress.

I can do this.

I walked to his office as directed knocking and patiently waiting for a response before his voice ordered me in.

I bit on my lower lip turning on the doorknob, twisting and pushing it open before walking in my eyes glued to the wall, trying as much as possible to avoid his intimidating look.

“Mss Sanchez” he calls out my head lifting in obedience and meeting with his which lasted for only a split second before I pealed my stare away.

“Take a seat” he offers proceeding to flip through the file he is going through.

The room fell into deep silence as I fidgeted with my fingers trying to calm my nerves down.

The silence was beginning to kill me but I knew better than to break it.

“So, tell me about your job experience” he orders after what seems like forever.

He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed, and stared at me with a cold, authoritative gaze.

Clearing my throat trying to steady my nerves. "I believe my experience aligns perfectly with what you're looking for” I began to say as much as I could.

He raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. “What makes you think you can handle the challenges here?"

I responded with what I could give.

He leaned forward, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Why then did you choose to work at a nightclub, surrounded by the very creatures we hunt?”

I felt a pang of frustration but kept my composure. "Unfortunate circumstances, not many of us are opportune”

His expression remained unreadable. "With such experience, I don’t see how you choose to work—“

“With all due respect, I’d like to keep my personal life private” I state annoyingly avoiding his gaze.

He remained mute for a second, surprised by my responses while I sat there unbothered.

This is strictly professional, I don’t see why he had to bring up my job at the bar.

He paused for a moment, considering my words. "We'll see if your actions match your words, Nova."

I nodded, feeling a mix of hope and fear. "I’m ready to prove that I can be an asset to this company."

He placed a call and soon his assistant walked in, the same woman that had spoken trash about me earlier.

She sent me a glare, “Yes sir?”

“You’re Fired!” He shot.

My eyes widened at his harshness but I knew better than to object.

She deserves it.

“What? Sir pl—“

“Leave!” He dropped yet again.

With tears in her eyes, she turned on her heels and walked away.

Serves you right.

Mr. Di Mario got up urging me up, he extended his hands forward for a shake which I hesitantly took.

My cold hands come in contact with his warm palms. The contact gave me jitters for some reason.

“You’re hired”

My eyes widen in excitement, my lips spreading into a smile.

“Thank you, Sir, I promise I won’t let you down,” I say trying to pee my hands away from his but he held firmly.

For a moment, I saw something primal, something wolf-like, staring back my wolf purred at the intensive stare of an Alpha.

I looked away trying to pull my hands away but his hands remained firm.

“Sir?”

He then let go.